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Physical play and leadership are what new Los Angeles Rams linebacker Nate Landman is ready to bring to the defense in 2025.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound defender – who is entering his fourth NFL season – signed a one-year deal with the Rams on Tuesday following a three-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons. He may not be a former first-round pick, a household name, or a free-agent splash, but he is a confident and possible under-the-radar addition who highlighted what he brings to a defense that will look to improve upon its 26th overall ranking from last season.
“I think first and foremost, leadership qualities," Landman said. "I'm a super vocal guy when it comes to on the field. I’m super passionate about this game. I love this game. Football is a violent sport and I love the physicality of it, especially as a middle linebacker. You have to set the tone. I think my best attributes are physicality and leadership. I'm excited to bring that to this defense and to this team to help us win games ultimately.”
Two seasons ago, that physicality was on display when the former Colorado product finished with 110 tackles (third-most on the team), seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and three forced fumbles in 14 starts. While injuries limited him early last season, causing him to miss four games, his impact was felt when he returned in October and recorded 81 tackles and three forced fumbles.
One key area that Landman figures to be an asset is in run defense. The Rams ranked 22nd last season, allowing 130 yards per game. They were lit up during the divisional round by Saquon Barkley, who had a field day rushing for 205 yards, helping the Philadelphia Eagles eliminate Los Angeles in a narrow 28-22 defeat.
According to Pro Football Focus, in the last two seasons, Landman achieved run grades of 73.9 in 2024, ranking 44th out of 189 linebackers, and an impressive 85.4 in 2023, placing him ninth out of 179.
While the former undrafted free agent is a good start to improving against the ground attack, the Rams must continue prioritizing run defense with next season's slate of ball carriers featuring names like Derrick Henry, Alvin Kamara, Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey, Jonathan Taylor, and a rematch with Barkley and the Eagles.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL free agency: Nate Landman shares what he brings to Rams defense
Continue reading...
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound defender – who is entering his fourth NFL season – signed a one-year deal with the Rams on Tuesday following a three-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons. He may not be a former first-round pick, a household name, or a free-agent splash, but he is a confident and possible under-the-radar addition who highlighted what he brings to a defense that will look to improve upon its 26th overall ranking from last season.
“I think first and foremost, leadership qualities," Landman said. "I'm a super vocal guy when it comes to on the field. I’m super passionate about this game. I love this game. Football is a violent sport and I love the physicality of it, especially as a middle linebacker. You have to set the tone. I think my best attributes are physicality and leadership. I'm excited to bring that to this defense and to this team to help us win games ultimately.”
Two seasons ago, that physicality was on display when the former Colorado product finished with 110 tackles (third-most on the team), seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and three forced fumbles in 14 starts. While injuries limited him early last season, causing him to miss four games, his impact was felt when he returned in October and recorded 81 tackles and three forced fumbles.
One key area that Landman figures to be an asset is in run defense. The Rams ranked 22nd last season, allowing 130 yards per game. They were lit up during the divisional round by Saquon Barkley, who had a field day rushing for 205 yards, helping the Philadelphia Eagles eliminate Los Angeles in a narrow 28-22 defeat.
According to Pro Football Focus, in the last two seasons, Landman achieved run grades of 73.9 in 2024, ranking 44th out of 189 linebackers, and an impressive 85.4 in 2023, placing him ninth out of 179.
While the former undrafted free agent is a good start to improving against the ground attack, the Rams must continue prioritizing run defense with next season's slate of ball carriers featuring names like Derrick Henry, Alvin Kamara, Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey, Jonathan Taylor, and a rematch with Barkley and the Eagles.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL free agency: Nate Landman shares what he brings to Rams defense
Continue reading...
